[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 152 (Monday, August 7, 2000)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 48148]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-19899]


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FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION

16 CFR Part 423


Exemption Granted Concerning Trade Regulation Rule on Care 
Labeling of Textile Wearing Apparel and Certain Piece Goods

AGENCY: Federal Trade Commission.

ACTION: Request for examption granted.

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SUMMARY: In a Federal Register notice dated April 14, 2000, the Federal 
Trade Commission (the ``Commission'') requested public comment on a 
proposed exemption to its Trade Regulation Rule on Care labeling of 
Textile Wearing Apparel and Certain Piece Goods (``the Care Labeling 
Rule'' or ``the Rule''). The Esprit de Corp company petitioned the 
Commission for the proposed exemption, which would permit it to 
distribute three specific styles of apron camisoles without attaching 
permanent care labels to the garments, as otherwise required by the 
Care Labeling Rule. Only one comment, which supports the approval of 
the proposed exemption, was received.\1\ On the basis of the petition, 
the sample garments submitted by the petitioner, and the comment 
received, the Commission believes that a permanent label on the 
garments would impair the appearance and usefulness of the items. In 
granting the petition, the Commission notes that care instructions for 
the camisoles still must be given on a hang tag, or on the package, or 
in some other conspicuous place, so that consumers will be able to see 
the care information before buying the product.
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    \1\ Comment dated May 4, 2000, from John B. Pellegrini, of the 
law firm of Ross & Hardies, on behalf of the United States 
Association of Importers of Textiles and Apparel (``USA-ITA'').

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DATES: The exemption is effective August 7, 2000.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Constance M. Vecellio, Attorney, 
Federal Trade Commission, Washington, DC 20580, (202) 326-2966.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Rule was promulgated by the Commission 
on December 16, 1971, 36 FR 23883 (1971), and amended on May 20, 1983, 
48 FR 22733 (1983). The Rule makes it an unfair or deceptive act or 
practice for manufacturers and importers of textile wearing apparel and 
certain piece goods to sell these items without attaching care labels 
stating ``what regular care is needed for the ordinary use of the 
product.'' (16 CFR 423.6(a) and (b)) The Rule defines a care label as a 
``permanent label or tag * * * that is attached or affixed in such a 
manner that it will not become separated from the product * * *.'' (16 
CFR 423.1(a))
    Section 423.8(b) of the Rule states that manufacturers or importers 
can ask for an exemption from the requirement of attaching a permanent 
care label for any textile wearing apparel product or product line if 
the label would harm the appearance or usefulness of the product. 
Section 423.8(c) of the Rule states that if an item is exempt from care 
labeling under subparagraph (b) of section 423.8, the consumers still 
must be given the required care information for the product, but the 
care information can be provided on a hang tag, on the package, or in 
some other conspicuous place, so that consumers will be able to see the 
care information before buying the product.

List of Subjects in 16 CFR Part 423

    Clothing, Labeling, Textiles, Trade practices.

    Authority: 15 U.S.C. 41-58.

    By direction of the Commission.
Donald S. Clark,
Secretary.
[FR Doc. 00-19899 Filed 8-4-00; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6750-01-M